ATLANTA — When the Avs return to practice Thursday morning, they probably will be joined by their pricey left winger, Ryan Smyth.

Smyth, the team said Tuesday, is likely to return after making a speedy recovery from the scary hit he took March 1 in a game against Los Angeles. He suffered a concussion and slightly separated shoulder after being hit by Kings defenseman Jack Johnson into the turnbuckle near the Avs’ bench.

Smyth, who makes $6.25 million per year, has been skating on his own while the team has been on the road.

The Avs might also see defenseman Ruslan Salei back at practice. X-rays on Salei showed no cracked orbital bone, a big relief to the team. He was hurt in a fight Sunday with Dallas’ Steve Ott.

The outlook is less certain on defenseman Jordan Leopold, who did not play Tuesday because of a sore neck, suffered when he was hit by Ott in Dallas. He will be re-examined today. Leopold was with the team in Atlanta and appeared to be in good spirits. He did not skate, however.

Forsberg update.

Avs star Peter Forsberg skated with the team Tuesday morning, but told the coaches his recent groin pull wasn’t healed sufficiently to play against the Thrashers.

“He said his groin was still bothering him, but it felt better,” Quenneville said. “The fact that he was on the ice gives you an idea that it’s not too long.”

The Avs, per team injury policy, did not make Forsberg available for comment.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyreek Hill had touchdowns receiving and on a punt return, Kansas City’s defense made life miserable for Oakland quarterback Derek Carr, and the Chiefs beat the Raiders 21-13 on a frigid Thursday night to take control of the AFC West. Charcandrick West also had a touchdown run for the Chiefs (10-3). They moved into a first-place...